Monnin makes verbal commitment to Kent State

Mike Ullery/Call File Photo Nate Monnin shows his blocking prowess in a win over Troy last season. Monnin made a verball commitment to Kent State earlier this week.

By Rob Kiser

rkiser@civitasmedia.com

Piqua senior tight end/defensive end Nate Monnin became the second Indian to make a verbal commitment, doing so earlier this week.

Last spring, running back/linebacker Darien Tipps-Clemons made a verbal to Michigan State and Monnin made the decision to play for Mid-American Conference member Kent State this week.

“They have a beautiful campus,” Monnin said. “They have nice facilities. I really like the coaches and they have good morals at Kent State.”

Monnin, who has improved each season, will be a tight end for the Golden Flashes.

As a sophomore, he caught nine passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, turning his first career reception into a 36-yard touchdown against Urbana. He added 12 tackles and a forced fumble from his defensive end position.

In a breakout year last season, he caught 14 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown and on defense, he had 40 tackles, 3.5 sacks and recovered three fumbles. He earned first team All-GWOC North honors.

“I don’t think you ever get a position completely down, especially the way the game is always changing,” Monnin said. “You can always improve on something.”

Monnin said it was time to make the decision.

“It will let me focus on the season,” he said. “I don’t have to worry about which college I am going to. They (Kent State) had one spot left, so I was running out of time. I always wanted to play in college — I didn’t know whether it would be football or basketball. But, with my body type, football is probably the best choice.”

Piqua football coach Bill Nees is happy that Monnin has made his decision.

“He had five or six schools looking at him,” Nees said. “Now, he has made the decision and can focus on other things.”

Nees sees a lot of potential in the future for Monnin.

“Nate (Monnin) is a great blocker,” Nees said. “He is a really athletic kid and there are still a lot of thing he can learn.”

Nees said it was an opportunity Monnin couldn’t pass up.

“The only bad thing about it is you may miss out on some visits,” Nees said. “But, when a school offers you, they are offering three or four other kids at the same time. It becomes a numbers game.”

Piqua travels to Springboro for a 7 p.m. scrimmage tonight, before hosting Meadowdale in the season opener Aug. 26.

Fall season

gets going

While boys and girls golf are in full swing at Piqua, Saturday will be the season opener for both the Piqua girls soccer team and the volleyball team.

The girls soccer team will host Newton at Wertz Stadium in a varsity only game at 7 p.m.

The volleyball team will travel to Bellefontaine Saturday, with a noon JV start before hosting Milton-Union Monday with a 5:30 p.m. JV start.

The boys soccer team will open the season Tuesday, hosting Trotwood-Madison with a 5:30 p.m. JV start on the Wertz Stadium pitch.

The cross country team doesn’t open the season until Aug. 30 at the Lost Creek Invitational at Troy.

Girls soccer

showdowns

Two interesting girls soccer games highlight the next two Saturday schedules in the area.

This Saturday, Lehman will host Madeira at Sidney Memorial Stadium in a 5:30 p.m. start between the traditional powers in the Southwest.

On the following Saturday, Miami East girls will make the trek to Crew Stadium in Columbus to play West Libety-Salem in a 12:15 p.m. game.

Mike Ullery/Call File Photo Nate Monnin shows his blocking prowess in a win over Troy last season. Monnin made a verball commitment to Kent State earlier this week.

https://www.dailycall.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2016/08/web1_103114mju_fb_phs_88-1-1.jpgMike Ullery/Call File Photo Nate Monnin shows his blocking prowess in a win over Troy last season. Monnin made a verball commitment to Kent State earlier this week.